Ban on smoking in hotels, bars, clubs: Minister UT Khader
Bengaluru, November 19: Urban Development Minister UT Khader said that the government has completely banned smoking cigarette and consuming other tobacco products in all public places including hotels, bars and clubs.
Speaking to reporters here on Monday, the Minister said that a circular was issued from the Municipal Administration Department over this issue keeping in mind the public health. As per the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Health of Non-smokers Act 2001, the government has banned smoking in all public places including hotels, bar and restaurants, pubs and clubs with immediate effect. Those who would not follow this order would lose their licence, he warned.
His department would require the cooperation of all departments to control the tobacco-related health problems. So, a meeting of the heads of all departments was convened under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. The government was also thinking of revoking subsidy on tobacco and alcohol products, he said.
Minors and those who do not smoke should not be allowed into ‘smoking zone’ and no food, breakfast, liquor, cigarette, water, tea and coffee would be served in ‘smoking zone’, he said.
The Minister also held dialogues with a delegation of the USA on urban programmes and controlling contagious diseases. Former minister Suresh Kumar, MLC Srikante Gowda and others were present.
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3 Indians injured after fire breaks out in UAE's Fujairah due to drone attack
Dubai (PTI): Three Indian nationals were injured on Monday after a fire broke out on the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone (FOIZ) in the UAE following a drone strike originating from Iran, according to local media reports.
The relevant authorities in the eastern emirate of Fujairah confirmed that a fire has broken out in the FOIZ, resulting from a drone attack coming from Iran, the state-run WAM news agency reported.
Fujairah Civil Defence teams immediately responded to the incident and are continuing efforts to bring the fire under control, it added.
Three Indian nationals sustained moderate injuries after the fire broke out on the FOIZ, the Khaleej Times reported, quoting authorities in Fujairah.
The injured were taken to the hospital for treatment, it added.
In a post on X, the UAE's Ministry of Defence said that Iran launched four missiles toward various areas across the country. "Three were successfully engaged over the country's territorial waters, while one fell into the sea," it said.
The ministry urged the public to comply with all public safety procedures when warning messages are issued to the public.
Authorities have urged the public not to circulate rumours and to rely only on official sources for information, Gulf News reported.
